Recently, I found myself triggered by a disagreement over the phone with some relatives. It was a familiar path that plunged me right back into the depths of anxiety. As someone who has battled anxiety for many years, I had managed to maintain a relatively stable mental state over the past year. I had learned to halt panic attacks before they spiraled out of control and prioritized self-care while making choices that align with my sensitive nature and tendency to become overstimulated.
Reflecting on last week’s anxiety episode, I was struck by how my body responded. It began with an overwhelming racing heartbeat—like my heart was trying to escape my chest—accompanied by a pounding noise in my ears. Next came the sweating and the sensation that my heart was nearly pushing up through my throat, making it hard to breathe. Almost immediately, I faced the dreaded gastrointestinal distress (thanks to my IBS, stress sends me running to the restroom). Even after I managed to calm down, it took an entire week to feel “normal” again. My muscles were sore, I was excessively thirsty, and my stomach issues lingered. To top it off, three days post-panic attack, I was hit with a migraine that came with an aura. Oh, and let’s not forget the insomnia, which certainly helped me feel better (not!).
Often, when we’re caught in the grips of anxiety or a panic attack, all our focus is on the panic itself or the situation that triggered it. We rarely recognize the havoc it wreaks on our physical selves. According to WebMD, excessive worry activates our body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones are responsible for those irritating physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat, headaches, trembling, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. They can even lead to serious health problems, including immune system suppression, short-term memory loss, and increased risks of heart diseases. And for those of us with anxiety, this just gives us one more thing to stress over.
Realizing the toll that anxiety takes on my body last week made me grateful that I’ve reached a point in my life where these episodes don’t occur frequently. However, it also reinforced my commitment to avoid situations that could trigger such intense responses whenever possible. As someone who experiences anxiety as a lifelong challenge, I’m dedicated to managing it through daily exercise, meditation, therapy, and medication. These practices are as essential to me as eating and paying my bills.
I understand how daunting it can feel to confront anxiety. One of its cruel tricks is to convince you that there’s no way out, whispering that you are trapped and that relief is unattainable. You begin to panic about the panic itself, believing you’re destined for a life filled with tormenting thoughts. But that’s just anxiety talking. You are not your anxiety; you are a person living with it.
Everyone deserves to find relief, and there are numerous options available, whether through therapy, medication, or other methods. Professionals are ready to support you in discovering what works best for you. If you’re struggling with any mental health issue, take it seriously. Anxiety can serve as a warning that our bodies are not meant to endure this level of distress on a daily basis. Ignoring it can lead to real consequences, and it’s not selfish to seek help.
So, take that step—make that call or book an appointment today. Don’t put it off until next week or next month. Once you start feeling better, you’ll wish you had sought help sooner. Trust me.
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Summary
Panic and anxiety disorders can wreak havoc on both mental and physical health. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the toll they take on the body is crucial. It’s important to seek help, engage in self-care, and take anxiety seriously to prevent long-term health impacts.
Keyphrase: Panic and Anxiety Disorders
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